Nashra Stars With Six Wickets as Pakistan Storm into Asia Cup Semi Final by Defeating Hong Kong

Pakistan Women secured their second win in the Asia Cup 2026 after beating Hong Kong by 72 runs in Dubai. Shawaal Zulfiqar played a key role with a quick 47, while Nashra Sandhu caused major damage with the ball by taking six wickets in the second innings.

The result was enough for Pakistan to finish second in Group A, with India topping the group. Pakistan’s place in the semifinals is now confirmed, and they will take on Sri Lanka on September 11 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Hong Kong, meanwhile, ended their tournament without a win and finished last in Group A. Thailand’s chances of reaching the semifinals also ended with Pakistan’s victory, as they stayed third in the group with two points.

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana chose to bat first, and her decision worked out as the green shirts posted 143/8 from their 20 overs.

Muneeba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqar gave Pakistan a positive start and put 23 runs on the board before Iqra Sahar ended the opening stand in the third over. Pakistan then lost Gull Feroza two overs later, with Kary Chan getting the wicket and leaving them at 33/2.

Shawaal took control after that and built a useful partnership with Ayesha Zafar. The two added 47 runs before Kaur broke the stand, dismissing both batters in successive overs. Shawaal led Pakistan’s scoring with 47 from 35 balls, while Ayesha hit quick 26 runs with four boundaries.

Pakistan were in further trouble when Kaur struck again to remove Sadaf Shamas and Eyman Fatima. Those wickets left the green shirts at 101/6 and put Hong Kong in a strong position to restrict the total.

Fatima Sana then stepped up when Pakistan needed runs. Batting at No. 6, the captain added 26 runs with Tuba Hassan for the seventh wicket. Tuba made 14 from 13 balls before Kary Chan dismissed her in the 18th over.

Umm-e-Hani then came to the crease, but she also lost her wicket quickly after scoring just one run. At the other end, Fatima stayed firm through the final over and scored an unbeaten 24 runs, giving Pakistan a decent total on the board.

Hong Kong then struggled badly while chasing 144, losing wickets regularly and eventually being bowled out for 71 in 19 overs. Kary Chan tried to keep the innings together, but Pakistan’s bowlers never allowed them to build any momentum.

Nashra Sandhu was the main reason behind Hong Kong’s collapse, as she finished with outstanding figures of six wickets for just seven runs. Fatima Sana and Sadia Iqbal also played their part with a wicket each as Pakistan’s bowling attack kept Hong Kong under constant pressure and wrapped up the innings for a low score.